Stephen Strasburg makes his first career start at Chase Field tonight.

PHOENIX — Hello from the Valley of the Sun, where the temperature as I type this is 112 degrees. But factor in the 10 mph breeze, and the wind chill is only 108. No, seriously, that's according to The Weather Channel.

Fortunately, the roof is closed here at Chase Field for the opener of the Nationals' three-game series against the Diamondbacks. This will be Stephen Strasburg's first-ever start here, though I do recall a similarly scorching-hot afternoon two years ago when the then-rookie pitched a simulated game with the roof open here while on the DL with shoulder inflammation.

For those who care to keep track of such things, Strasburg's innings count stands at 127 1/3 entering this game. Which means he's probably got six, maybe seven, more starts until the Nats pull the plug on his season.

Strasburg should have Bryce Harper behind him tonight after the slumping rookie was held out of last night's finale in Houston. One other note of interest: Michael Morse no longer has an 18-game hitting streak on the line. MLB today reversed a scoring decision from the Nationals' Aug. 2 game against the Phillies, changing a Morse single to an error on shortstop Jimmy Rollins. So he's currently riding a seven-game streak, not quite as impressive.

I made the trek west to the desert for this series, so look for plenty of updates and analysis live from the ballpark…

WHy did MLB bother to change the scoring this late on a play (did it cost someone an earned run?On the NLB tonight they are now reporting Rizzo says Strasburg will go to 180 innings.Also do not forget to vote for the Shark. He is up 74-26 against a Royals Double play.Here is the link.http://espn.go.com/mlb/baseballtonight

The 180 number for Stras gives him basically the whole regular season, and makes it not unreasonable to tweak his work load — especially if we should clinch early, which would allow him to pitch in the post-season.We'll never know, but my guess would be that Boras was involved in the negotiations.

what is the point in changing a ruling a week late. If they changed that, The error that Wright did in the DIckey play was much more an error and actually meant someting and didn't change that.What was MLB's point in changing the hit to an error (and why 7 days after the fact). If it was bad enough to change it should have been changed the next day.

Manassas Nats' Fan said…Harper will do fine. Just swing at strikes and not at balls and he will do fine.======================He tried that in Houston the other night and they called the balls strikes anyway.

ManassasIf you read back to the source, this is suspect "news." Rizzo did not say Stras will pitch 180 inn. What he said, according to a tweet from Jeff Passan of Yahoo, is that Stras won't pitch more than 180 inn. But Passan didn't report the question he asked–did he introduce the 180 #, or did Rizzo?–and Passan himself later tweeted that he thinks Stras will make only 1 start after hitting the 160 limit. This is now being picked up by everyone–including Dave Cameron of Fangraphs, who I thought was smarter–that Stras will pitch 180 inn.

And while we are waiting for our game, time to root for the Mets not to lose. Chippa and McCann are out for the barves. Should be on MLB Network (hopefully I will watch and not throw a shoe at my nice TV to shut Mike Sweeney and Mitch Williams up about Stras)

pRAA – Exactly!As for the news about the scoring change – well, the cellar-dwelling Phillies can't dethrone the Nats from atop the NL East, so they're just going to have to content themselves with this sort of crap.

Why would the Phillies want JRo to have an error that make no sense, unless a rum came in (and I can't remember that being part of the equation).Don't forget to vote for the Sharkhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/baseballtonight

Big Cat and I were texting back and forth during the games in Houston, how we should get a group together and go to the games in Miami or Houston next year, as they have plenty of seats right near the nats dougout at both stadiums.

By some measures, the Diamondbacks are a better team than either the Giants or the Dodgers. They have a pythagorean record of 61-51; both the Giants and Dodgers are two games 'luckier' than their run differential would suggest, while Arizona is four games 'unluckier' (is that a word?) than theirs.Baseball Reference also has a measure that combines strength of schedule with run differential; using that, the Diamondbacks are again slightly better than SF and LA.St. Louis is in a similar situation in the Central Division (actually, even more so). It wouldn't be surprising to see at least of them — D'backs or Cardinals — end up winning its division. I think my money would be on the Cardinals.The Nats are the only NL division leader that's also the pythagorean leader.

Manassas Nats' Fan said… Big Cat and I were texting back and forth during the games in Houston, how we should get a group together and go to the games in Miami or Houston next year, as they have plenty of seats right near the nats dougout at both stadiums. August 10, 2012 7:40 PM Don't forget, Houston will be in AL next year.

we do not know the schedule yet.I had figured you could keep 163 games if you playEach team your own division 18 times (72)Each team in the other two divisions of your league 5 time (60)and 3 gmaes again 2 divisions of the other team or 6 games agains 1 divsion of the other league. (30)there are basciall 52 series in a season. There needs to be a total of 150 series. Sometimes you will have only 1 team playing out of league, sometimes 3, and sometimes even as many as 5.I would think it would be easy to work out. Granted we might not draw Houston next year (but since we played AL east this year, I figure either central or west next year (and both of you do my 3 games only against 10 teams propostion. Then of course with you have to have luck of drawing them away.Miami is more likely.

Just saw the replay of the Morse non hit. Je Torre must have been drinking when he made that ruling. That ball was smoked. When Torre was playing third he never would ahve come close to stopping it. Not sure what he has against Morse. Just another reason to hate Hamels as he was the one who appealed for the ruling to save an earned run. He also appealed the Zim hit before that, and it was smoled to nbut Utley was not charged with an error. Of the two it was close to an error.

Apparently the umps still have harper on the radar as that ball was inside. Then the one pitchedsame spot to zim but a tad lower called a ball. Then Zim makes up for it by swinging at one in the dirt. The old saying on a breaking bal if it is at your waste most the way it will be low by the time it gets to the plate.

After 7 batters Stras has 3 batters he had 3 balls on and a walk. that is 57% of the time at least 3 alls. I a not a walk fan as that is a free trunner, and when you go against a team with hitters that usually leads to trouble.

Nice D, though. Stras covering first base (like he should)–then he looks up like he wonders why he was the one getting the out! Why does he look flushed and sweaty in only the 2nd inning, 82 degrees inside?

All this 2 seam 4 seam stuff. The name of thegame in pitching is movement. Stra throws his "4 seamer" with no movement at about 96-97. When he holds the ball with the seams(2 seamer)it is at 94-96 and runs four inches. Now, I might be an idiot…but why ever throw the 4 seamer? Also, every hitter that is worth his salt batting against Stra goes up there looking for the fastball. A lot of times you see Stra throw a first pitch curve and the ball is way low and away for ball 1. A first pitch curve with Stra should be a "strike one loppy pop." Just spin it in the zone.

I really think the answer to all these Stras questions is that he is still on ReHab…He won't admit it, but pitching feels different and is more difficult than it's ever been in his lifeTHis is why his 4 seam FB doesn't move as much, and why he's been so up and down with his FB command, and why his breaking ball and change are not as consistent..Let's remember, he basically has a new elbow, this is why it takes a full 2 year to really be back from TJ surgery…

"Ok…Ive been very critical about Strasburgs competitive fire."What? The guy is famously ultra-competitive. Davey doesn't even talk to him on game days. He does seem to lose focus sometimes, but, c'mon.

Also, put yourself in Stras's shoes for a sec…He knows if his pitch count gets high, he's coming out…But he also knows the most common game plan against him is to swing early in the count…So is only choice is to try to hit corners early in the count, to avoid barrels, but stay in the zone…That's a pretty tight rope, and a couple bad calls can really blow that whole thing up…

While I understand the need for pitch counts, I think it can mess with the pitcher's head early in the game…He can't waste any pitches early, he can't throw a brush back FB to set up an outside breaking ball…Pitch efficient is one thing, but when it effects how you actually approach hitters, it becomes a problem…

I'm kinda surprised and disappointed by the whole "something is wrong with Strasburg" thing.The fact is his numbers are just as elite as they were in his rookie season.More so even, given the sample size. And they'll just get better. He's no where near his prime, yet is one of the best in the game.Shame on the picky Nats fans who criticize a pitcher who is one of the best already!

But I always wonder why catchers who are hitting against pitchers they've caught don't have a bigger advantage than they seem to. Like Suzuki, there–he didn't recognise that curveball at all, and yet he's caught it hundreds of times, probably.

CMJ, Of course you are correct…Stras is a beast even now…But to those of us who have watched him for long stretches, it's clear he's not himself…I started watching him in college in 2008 when the Nats were losing everyday so I knew they would draft him!He's not back yet…and I think he knows it, and that's why he's so salty whenever some little thing isn't just right…Saw some of that from Jordan last year too…

I didn't see the football game. But I understand from reports RGIII was fun to watch and you could see his talent and his potential–and then Rex Griffin came in and was a stiff, as usual. You can see what a difference talent makes. Stras is incredibly talented. You can see the Hall of Fame in him. We are not complaining or even criticizing. We are just observing how it works.

see why I hate walks. You give them free chances to score runs once there is a hit. Both walks came after 2 outs which I guess is better, but in close games walks must be avoided. He is too good a pitcher to be nibbling for walks.

The Diamonbacks broadcast showed Strass trying to stretch out his back after the inning. They are sure he tightened up waitng out the delay.By the way the only have had great things to say about the Nats and certainly love Rizzo.

He's bothered b/c he just doesn't feel right and it's frustrating…Ever have surgery? Afterwards you're always too hot, too cold, hungry but don't want to eat, everything annoys you..Stras is annoyed b/c what used to be the most natural thing in the world to him doesn't feel right and he's pissed about it…Time will heal all…

Swift Eagle…..you are exactly right with Stra that he is basically still in rehab. He had major elbow surgery and from what JZimm said, one day you will feel great and the next you have no clue where theball is going. Also Eagle….you make it sound like Stra calls his pitches….I don't think so. All this talk about pitch count and "pitching to contact" etc. Well…what the hell is that all about. You have a big strapping guy on the mound who throws 94-98 mph with a 2 seam fastball that runs and dips 4 inches and you have him starting guys off with curve balls and change ups. Every hitter is a full count. Who ever is calling the pitches should be held accountable. You tell the catcher to set up in the middle of the plate and you tell Stra to hold the ball with the seams and aim for the catchers cup and throw it hard as hell. Then when he gets ahead in the count he can throw his curve or change. You have a great infield ….use them.Also Eagle…..did Stra fall completely off the mound towards 1st base at SD State as he does now? Ya know, when you open, or fly open like that it adds tremendous pressure on your arm.

Hey Mark, here's your answer on the twin bill:"For the first time in team history, the D-backs will play host to a doubleheader when they take on the Marlins in a day-night twin bill on Aug. 22."The doubleheader came about because the D-backs were scheduled to play 23 straight games, which is a violation of the Basic Agreement between the owners and the players. Therefore, Major League Baseball allowed them to have an off-day Aug. 23 and move the Marlins game scheduled for that day to Aug. 22."

Big Cat…I actually think Stras and the catcher call the pitches..I agree with you, I'd like to see that in the pitching coaches hands at times, but it's not how they do it MLBHe fell off to 1B in college, but not too pronounced..I haven't noticed YouTube of Strass at SD Statehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEOx3zTnSGQ

@Michele from earlier postThe Diamonbacks broadcast showed Strass trying to stretch out his back after the inning. They are sure he tightened up waitng out the delay.By the way the only have had great things to say about the Nats and certainly love Rizzo.

Yeah, I think you're right about Reggie and the Angels. Just looked it up…Angels lost ALCS in 82 and 86 (which I believe was the Donnie Moore game). Looked up Williams, as well, and surprised he didn't get more votes for the HOF. Never expected him to get in, but 1% of vote seems pretty low for a guy who had 378 HR, 4 Gold Gloves, 5 AS games and made several postseason appearances.

The D-Backs announcers tonight….Morse is a monster when he connectsHave we told you about their pitching staff?Clint's done well, but Davey is manager of the yearHave we told you about their pitching staff?They make your food taste bad tonight.Have we told you about their pitching staff?If there is something sly going on in the clubhouse, LaRoche is involvedHave we told you about their pitching staff?No more 3-2 pitches once their bullpen comes in. It is close the door.Have we told you about their pitching staff?Come out and enjoy the air conditioning and see the best team in baseball.Have we… well you get itComparing Nationals to the movie The Titans now." Everywhere We Go People want To Know"

F & I – I love trivia!!(not as much as our Nationals but it's close)I am adding your question to my trivia sheet I take to the park to keep my section entertained.I'll start you off with an easy one that is current. I will go deep into the 50s if you like.Name the 3 current players that have hit at least 20 homeruns every season since 2002?By the way, I don't see Peric lammenting about Werth's lack of power tonight? I am pretty sure he is hitting way over .300 and two of his hits tonight were doubles. I have to think his power will be back even more as he continues to play more. We are up 9-1 I am headed for my nap that Peric says I need.Go Nats!!

Mark Z: The crowd of 29,362 has grown quite restless, but most don't want to leave early because there's a postgame fireworks show.————————-Given the score, was wondering why so many people seemed to remain in the stands.

Before the game I posted: By some measures, the Diamondbacks are a better team than either the Giants or the Dodgers.What I failed to add was: But not better than the Nationals.Well done. Won't get to watch either of the next two, but will be there in San Francisco for both Gio's and Jordan Zimmermann's starts. GYFNG!

Was thinking Dunn…didn't do it last year. Cabrera…he came up in 2003 and won the WS at 20 years old. I will guess Big Papi…not sure if he hit that many with the Twinkies…and Soriano. I really can't think of anybody else it could be.

There was a football game last night? I hadn't heard.NatsLady said… I didn't see the football game. But I understand from reports RGIII was fun to watch and you could see his talent and his potential–and then Rex Griffin came in and was a stiff, as usual. You can see what a difference talent makes. Stras is incredibly talented. You can see the Hall of Fame in him. We are not complaining or even criticizing. We are just observing how it works. August 10, 2012 10:53 PM NatsLady said… Sorry, Rex Grossman. I try not to pay attention, but you can't avoid it. August 10, 2012 10:54 PM